News stories from the Friends of Essex Churches Trust

Bishop will give Christmas Gift Fair his blessing on October 17

A Christmas Gift Fair on Wednesday October 17 in aid of charity will have the blessing of the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell.

Bishop Stephen will officially open the Fair in Hylands House CM2 8WQ at 10.00am. Shoppers will be able to hunt down the perfect gift.

The organiser of the Fair, Catharine Hutley from Hartford End says: "An impressive range of stalls will offer lots of high quality gifts. We will have everything you need from children?s wooden toys to handmade rugs and scarves. Christmas decorations will also be on sale." The Fair offers the discerning shopper the chance to beat the Christmas rush.

"At Hylands House you will have a chance to solve all your Christmas present problems in one hit," says Catharine, "and get your shopping done early in elegant and calm surroundings."

Coffee and biscuits are included in the entrance fee which is £5 from 10.00am to 1.30pm but then drops down to only £2.50 until the Fair closes at 3.00pm.

The Fair is a popular annual occasion and it is held in a good cause. The proceeds will help the Friends of Essex Churches Trust to give grants to preserve the churches of Essex for future generations.

Catharine adds: "By shopping with us you can support a deserving local charity. Our beautiful and historic church buildings in Essex need our support. What better time to think of churches than at Christmas."

‘In my first year as Chairman I have frequently been impressed by the wealth of talent and the generosity that we are able to call on’ writes Jeremy Beale in our Annual Report. Read more https://t.co/nJAhEGHiJ7 and do join us for our AGM on May 16 at St Christopher’s Willingale pic.twitter.com/iWQapmxoF8